Monday, December 30, 2019
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Essay on The Importance of Pearl in Hawthornes The...
The Significance of Pearl One of the most complex characters in The Scarlet Letter is Pearl, the illegitimate daughter of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. Throughout the story, she develops into a dynamic individual, as well as an extremely important symbol. Pearl is shunned from society because of her mothers sin. She is a living representation of the scarlet letter, acting as a constant reminder of Hesters sin. Hawthorne uses vivid descriptions to characterize Pearl. She is first described as the infant, ...whose innocent life had sprung, by the inscrutable decree of Providence, a lovely and immortal flower, out of the rank luxuriance of a guilty passion. (Hawthorne 81). From the beginning of her life she is viewed as theâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦The light lingered about the lonely child, as if glad of such a playmate, (Hawthorne 168). The sunshine is grateful for Pearl, accepting her as an equal. Hawthorne describes another sign of acceptance as the great black forest...became the playmate of the lonely infant. (Hawthorne 187). Eventually it is declared, The truth seems to be, however, that the mother-forest, and these wild things which it nourished all recognized wildness in the human child. (Hawthorne 188). Because the community does not accept her, Pearl takes on the characteristics of nature because nature accepts her as one of its own. Pearls character lacked reference, and adapt ation to the world into which she was born. The child could not be made amenable to rules. (Hawthorne 83). This quote shows a striking resemblance in description between Pearl and nature. Pearl and nature are referred to as not adapting to Puritan society. This characteristic makes Pearl so different because she is unaffected by the community, and is a product of nature and its ways. Hawthornes descriptions and developments of the relationship between Pearl and Nature further characterize Pearl who has been thrust out of Puritan society. The members of the Puritan society view PearlShow MoreRelatedScarlet Letter : A Dark Gloom Hung1105 Words à |à 5 PagesGeorge Mallinos Mrs. Costigan AP English III 16 February 2015 The Scarlet Letter A dark gloom hung over Nathaniel Hawthorneââ¬â¢s head for most of his life causing his writings to be intoxicated with his everlasting thrust for darkness. In The Scarlet Letter he plants his trade mark of sin, redemption, and guilt into historyââ¬â¢s abiding collection of remarkable writings. Throughout this piece, it is easy to notice the hardship Hester must endure every day while living with the reputation of committingRead MoreScarlet Letter : The Rejection Of Puritan Values1466 Words à |à 6 PagesBenjamin Stoops Mr. Goldhammer Honors American Studies 2 November 2015 Scarlet Salvation: The Rejection of Puritan Values in The Scarlet Letter In The Scarlet Letter, each of Nathaniel Hawthorneââ¬â¢s characters undergo internal challenges. When Hawthorneââ¬â¢s The Scarlet Letter concludes, many charactersââ¬â¢ personal struggles have ended, either in their favor or resulting in their downfall. Hawthorne most notably fixates upon Pearl, Hester, Arthur Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth and the challenges theyRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter, By Nathaniel Hawthorne1501 Words à |à 7 Pagesby an artist whom has read the book to bring the bookââ¬â¢s meanings and themes into one picture. Nathaniel Hawthorneââ¬â¢s book, The Scarlet Letter, has acquired many different renditions of the cover over the years from different artists. In his story, a young Puritan, Hester Prynne, is sentenced to a punishment of the scarlet letter after she has committed adultery with an unnamed man. Hawthorneââ¬â¢s narrative is filled with in depth characters, symbolism, and themes of revenge, sin, forgiveness and secrecyRead MoreNatha niel Hawthornes The Scarlett Letter Essay1269 Words à |à 6 PagesPearls of Wisdom Create a list of typical kid nicknames: Itââ¬â¢s safe to say your list probably consists of names like ââ¬Å"sugarâ⬠, ââ¬Å"cupcake-faceâ⬠, and ââ¬Å"sweetheart.â⬠The assumption can also be made, therefore, that you donââ¬â¢t encounter ââ¬Å"witch-babyâ⬠, ââ¬Å"elf-childâ⬠, and ââ¬Å"demonâ⬠as sobriquets for most seven-year-old children. Puritans, as it turns out, are skilled in the nomenclature of rejection, up to and including the child of an adulteress. Pearl Prynne, named for her worth to a mother who sacrificed everythingRead MoreThe Great Author Nathaniel Hawthorne Essay1261 Words à |à 6 Pagesa visual picture. His mind often turned to matters associated with human judgments on mortality, with guilt and its consequences (Turner). In the novel Hawthorneââ¬â¢s short stories he has a series of stories that have to do with things like suffering, honor, and religion. One good novel that deals with all of these things as well is Th e Scarlet Letter including loneliness, revenge, shame, and betrayal. Hawthorne is also known to strongly show Puritan beliefs. Hawthorne would search out moral implicationsRead MoreA Cultural Critical Reading Of The Scarlet Letter Essay1711 Words à |à 7 PagesThrough a Cultural Critical reading of the Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, it is evident that it is not only great piece of American literature, but also an analysis of Hawthorneââ¬â¢s 18th century knowledge about the culture and society of Puritans. The Scarlet Letter is not really an accurate representation of Puritan culture; however, it does represent how Puritan culture was seen in the 18th century, and to the people in Hawthorneââ¬â¢s period, they were harsh towards women, children, and cruellyRead MoreEssay about Sin, Alienation, and Love in Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter944 Words à |à 4 Pages The Scarlet Letter: The Themes of Sin, Alienation, and Love nbsp; The Puritans, a religious group in New England in the early 1600ââ¬â¢s, interpreted the Bible form a fundamentalist perspective and strove to attain a sinless society.nbsp; Of course, people are human and sins are inevitable so the Puritans sinned and their perfect society was never achieved.nbsp;nbsp; Nathaniel Hawthorneââ¬â¢s The Scarlet Letter develops the themes of sin, alienation, and love to provide valuable insights intoRead MoreAnalysis Of The Scarlet Letter 1516 Words à |à 7 Pagesare used in symbols. These three types can be found in Nathaniel Hawthorneââ¬â¢s The Scarlet Letter. The three types of symbols that Fromm mentions in his article are conventional, accidental, and universal symbols. Conventional symbols are symbols that ââ¬Å"we employ it in everyday languageâ⬠(121) and they can have ââ¬Å"an inherent connection with the feeling it symbolizesâ⬠(122). The scarlet letter is a conventional symbol since it is a letter. Accidental symbols, in the words of Erich Fromm, are relationshipsRead MoreThe Symbol Of Pearl In The Scarlet Letter, By Nathaniel Hawthorne1414 Words à |à 6 Pages Nathaniel Hawthorneââ¬â¢s The Scarlet Letter exhibits 17th century Boston, Massachusetts and the puritansââ¬â¢ lifestyle through the story of Hester Prynne and her sin. Society casts Hester out for her sin of adultery by making her wear a scarlet ââ¬ËAââ¬â¢ on her bosom. Hester commits adultery with another man, and later gives birth to a baby girl, Pearl. Although Pearl at first seems to be just the child of Hester and is a supporting character, she later becomes a significant part of the novel and is a prominentRead MoreAnalysis Of Hawthorne s The Scarlet Letter 866 Words à |à 4 PagesTruths Hawthorneââ¬â¢s wilderness is exactly what its name implies: wild. It does not hold the same rules or laws that Puritan civilization does. Instead it presents a myriad of situations and emotions, which make it one of the most important symbols in The Scarlet Letter. However, there is a twist. It doesnââ¬â¢t just symbolize one thing, but two that are distinctly contrary to one another. The forest can be a place of true nature where a person is shown as who they are supposed to be, not who other people
Friday, December 13, 2019
Zoeââ¬â¢s Tale PART III Chapter Twenty-One Free Essays
The next morning I found out Dad was under arrest. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not exactly arrest,â⬠Dad said at our kitchen table, having his morning coffee. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve been relieved of my position as colony leader and have to travel back to Phoenix Station for an inquiry. We will write a custom essay sample on Zoeââ¬â¢s Tale PART III Chapter Twenty-One or any similar topic only for you Order Now So itââ¬â¢s more like a trial. And if that goes badly then Iââ¬â¢ll be arrested.â⬠ââ¬Å"Is it going to go badly?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"Probably,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"They donââ¬â¢t usually have an inquiry if they donââ¬â¢t know how itââ¬â¢s going to turn out, and if it was going to turn out well, they wouldnââ¬â¢t bother to have it.â⬠He sipped his coffee. ââ¬Å"What did you do?â⬠I asked. I had my own coffee, loaded up with cream and sugar, which was sitting ignored in front of me. I was still in shock about Enzo, and this really wasnââ¬â¢t helping. ââ¬Å"I tried to talk General Gau out of walking into the trap we set for him and his fleet,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"When we met I asked him not to call his fleet. Begged him not to, actually. It was against my orders. I was told to engage in ââ¬Ënonessential conversationââ¬â¢ with him. As if you can have nonessential conversation with someone who is planning to take over your colony, and whose entire fleet youââ¬â¢re about to blow up.â⬠ââ¬Å"Why did you do it?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"Why did you try to give General Gau an out?â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Probably because I didnââ¬â¢t want the blood of all those crews on my hands.â⬠ââ¬Å"You werenââ¬â¢t the one who set off the bombs,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think that matters, do you?â⬠Dad said. He set down his cup. ââ¬Å"I was still part of the plan. I was still an active participant. I still bear some responsibility. I wanted to know that at the very least I tried in some small way to avoid so much bloodshed. I guess I was just hoping there might be a way to do things other than the way that ends up with everyone getting killed.â⬠I got up out of my chair and gave my dad a big hug. He took it, and then looked at me, a little surprised, when I sat back down. ââ¬Å"Thank you,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢d like to know what that was about.â⬠ââ¬Å"It was me being happy that we think alike,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I can tell weââ¬â¢re related, even if itââ¬â¢s not biologically.â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think anyone would doubt we think alike, dear,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Although given that Iââ¬â¢m about to get royally shafted by the Colonial Union, Iââ¬â¢m not sure itââ¬â¢s such a good thing for you.â⬠ââ¬Å"I think it is,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"And biology or not, I think weââ¬â¢re both smart enough to figure out that things are not going well for anyone,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"This is a real big mess, nor are we out of it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Amen,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"How are you, sweetheart?â⬠Dad asked. ââ¬Å"Are you going to be okay?â⬠I opened my mouth to say something and closed it again. ââ¬Å"I think right now I want to talk about anything else in the world besides how Iââ¬â¢m doing,â⬠I said, finally. ââ¬Å"All right,â⬠Dad said. He started talking about himself then, not because he was an egotist but because he knew listening to him would help me take my mind off my own worries. I listened to him talk on without worrying too much about what he said. Dad left on the supply ship San Joaquin the next day, with Manfred Trujillo and a couple other colonists who were going as representatives of Roanoke, on political and cultural business. That was their cover, anyway. What they were really doing, or so Jane had told me, was trying to find out anything about what was going on in the universe involving Roanoke and who had attacked us. It would take a week for Dad and the others to reach Phoenix Station; theyââ¬â¢d spend a day or so there and then it would take another week for them to return. Which is to say, itââ¬â¢d take another week for everyone but Dad to return; if Dadââ¬â¢s inquiry went against him, he wouldnââ¬â¢t be coming back. We tried not to think about that. Three days later most of the colony converged on the Gugino homestead and said good-bye to Bruno and Natalie, Maria, Katherina, and Enzo. They were buried where they had died; Jane and others had removed the missile debris that had fallen on them, reshaped the area with new soil, and set new sod on top. A marker was placed to note the family. At some point in the future, there might be another, larger marker, but for now it was small and simple: the family name, the name of the members, and their dates. It reminded me of my own family marker, where my biological mother lay. For some reason I found this a little bit comforting. Magdyââ¬â¢s father, who had been Bruno Guginoââ¬â¢s closest friend, spoke warmly about the whole family. A group of singers came and sang two of Natalieââ¬â¢s favorite hymns from Zhong Guo. Magdy spoke, briefly and with difficulty about his best friend. When he sat back down, Gretchen was there to hold him while he sobbed. Finally we all stood and some prayed and others stood silently, with their heads bowed, thinking about missing friends and loved ones. Then people left, until it was just me and Gretchen and Magdy, standing silently by the marker. ââ¬Å"He loved you, you know,â⬠Magdy said to me, suddenly. ââ¬Å"I know,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠Magdy said, and I saw how he was trying to get across to me that he wasnââ¬â¢t just making comforting words. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not talking about how we say we love something, or love people we just like. He really loved you, Zoe. He was ready to spend his whole life with you. I wish I could make you believe this.â⬠I took out my PDA, opened it to Enzoââ¬â¢s poem, and showed it to Magdy. ââ¬Å"I believe it,â⬠I said. Magdy read the poem, nodded. Then he handed the PDA back to me. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m glad,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m glad he sent that to you. I used to make fun of him because he wrote you those poems. I told him that he was just being a goof.â⬠I smiled at that. ââ¬Å"But now Iââ¬â¢m glad he didnââ¬â¢t listen to me. Iââ¬â¢m glad he sent them. Because now you know. You know how much he loved you.â⬠Magdy broke down as he tried to finish that sentence. I came up to him and held him and let him cry. ââ¬Å"He loved you too, Magdy,â⬠I said to him. ââ¬Å"As much as me. As much as anyone. You were his best friend.â⬠ââ¬Å"I loved him too,â⬠Magdy said. ââ¬Å"He was my brother. I mean, not my real brotherâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He started to get a look on his face; he was annoyed with himself that he wasnââ¬â¢t expressing himself like he wanted. ââ¬Å"No, Magdy,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"You were his real brother. In every way that matters, you were his brother. He knew you thought of him that way. And he loved you for it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry, Zoe,â⬠Magdy said, and looked down at his feet. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry I always gave you and Enzo a hard time. Iââ¬â¢m sorry.â⬠ââ¬Å"Hey,â⬠I said, gently. ââ¬Å"Stop that. You were supposed to give us a hard time, Magdy. Giving people a hard time is what you do. Ask Gretchen.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s true,â⬠Gretchen said, not unkindly. ââ¬Å"It really is.â⬠ââ¬Å"Enzo thought of you as his brother,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re my brother too. You have been all this time. I love you, Magdy.â⬠ââ¬Å"I love you too, Zoe,â⬠Magdy said quietly, and then looked straight at me. ââ¬Å"Thank you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re welcome.â⬠I gave him another hug. ââ¬Å"Just remember that as your new family member Iââ¬â¢m now entitled to give you all sorts of crap.â⬠ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t wait,â⬠Magdy said, and then turned to Gretchen. ââ¬Å"Does this make you my sister too?â⬠ââ¬Å"Considering our history, you better hope not,â⬠Gretchen said. Magdy laughed at that, which was a good sign, then gave me a peck on a cheek, gave Gretchen a hug, and then walked from the grave of his friend and brother. ââ¬Å"Do you think heââ¬â¢s going to be okay?â⬠I asked Gretchen, as we watched him go. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"Not for a long time. I know you loved Enzo, Zoe, I really do, and I donââ¬â¢t want this to sound like Iââ¬â¢m trying to undercut that. But Enzo and Magdy were two halves of the same whole.â⬠She nodded to Magdy. ââ¬Å"You lost someone you love. Heââ¬â¢s lost part of himself. I donââ¬â¢t know if heââ¬â¢s going to get over that.â⬠ââ¬Å"You can help him,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Maybe,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"But think about what youââ¬â¢re asking me to do.â⬠I laughed. Itââ¬â¢s why I loved Gretchen. She was the smartest girl I ever knew, and smart enough to know that being smart had its own repercussions. She could help Magdy, all right, by becoming part of what he was missing. But it meant her being that, one way or another, for the rest of their lives. She would do it, because when it came down to it she really did love Magdy. But she was right to worry about what it meant for her. ââ¬Å"Anyway,â⬠Gretchen said, ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not done helping someone else.â⬠I snapped out of my thoughts at that. ââ¬Å"Oh,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Well. You know. Iââ¬â¢m okay.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"I also know you lie horribly.â⬠ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t fool you,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"Because what Enzo was to Magdy, I am to you.â⬠I hugged her. ââ¬Å"I know,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Good,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"Whenever you forget, Iââ¬â¢ll remind you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠I said. We unhugged and Gretchen left me alone with Enzo and his family, and I sat with them for a long time. Four days later, a note from Dad from a skip drone from Phoenix Station. A miracle, it said. Iââ¬â¢m not headed for prison. We are heading back on the next supply ship. Tell Hickory and Dickory that I will need to speak to them when I return. Love you. There was another note for Jane, but she didnââ¬â¢t tell me what was in it. ââ¬Å"Why would Dad want to talk to you?â⬠I asked Hickory. ââ¬Å"We donââ¬â¢t know,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"The last time he and I spoke of anything of any importance was the day ââ¬â I am sorry ââ¬â that your friend Enzo died. Some time ago, before we left Huckleberry, I had mentioned to Major Perry that the Obin government and the Obin people stood ready to assist you and your family here on Roanoke should you need our assistance. Major Perry reminded me of that conversation and asked me if the offer still stood. I told him that at the time I believed it did.â⬠ââ¬Å"You think Dad is going to ask for your help?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"I do not know,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"And since I last spoke to Major Perry circumstances have changed.â⬠ââ¬Å"What do you mean?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"Dickory and I have finally received detailed updated information from our government, up to and including its analysis of the Colonial Unionââ¬â¢s attack on the Conclave fleet,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"The most important piece of news is that we have been informed that shortly after the Magellan disappeared, the Colonial Union came to the Obin government and asked it not to search for the Roanoke colony, nor to offer it assistance if it were to be located by the Conclave or any other race.â⬠ââ¬Å"They knew you would come looking for me,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"But why would they tell you not to help us?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"Because it would interfere with the Colonial Unionââ¬â¢s own plans to lure the Conclave fleet to Roanoke,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s happened,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s done. The Obin can help us now,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"The Colonial Union has asked us to continue not to offer aid or assistance to Roanoke,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"That makes no sense,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"We are inclined to agree,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"But that means that you canââ¬â¢t even help me,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"There is a difference between you and the colony of Roanoke,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"The Colonial Union cannot ask us not to protect or assist you. It would violate the treaty between our peoples, and the Colonial Union would not want to do that, especially now. But the Colonial Union may choose to interpret the treaty narrowly and has. Our treaty concerns you, Zoe. To a much lesser extent it concerns your family, meaning Major Perry and Lieutenant Sagan. It does not concern Roanoke colony at all.â⬠ââ¬Å"It does when I live here,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"This colony is of a great deal of concern to me. Its people are of a great deal of concern to me. Everybody I care about in the whole universe is here. Roanoke matters to me. It should matter to you.â⬠ââ¬Å"We did not say it did not matter to us,â⬠Hickory said, and I heard something in its voice I had never heard before: reproach. ââ¬Å"Nor do we suggest it does not matter to you, for many reasons. We are telling you how the Colonial Union is asking the Obin government to view its rights under treaty. And we are telling you that our government, for its own reasons, has agreed.â⬠ââ¬Å"So if my dad asks for your help, you will tell him no,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"We will tell him that so long as Roanoke is a Colonial Union world, we are unable to offer help.â⬠ââ¬Å"So, no,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"We are sorry, Zoe.â⬠ââ¬Å"I want you to give me the information your government has given you,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"We will do so,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"But it is in our native language and file formatting, and will take a considerable amount of time for your PDA to translate.â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t care,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"As you wish,â⬠Hickory said. Not too long after that I stared at the screen of my PDA and ground my teeth together as it slowly plodded through file transformations and translations. I realized it would be easier just to ask Hickory and Dickory about it all, but I wanted to see it all with my own eyes. However long it took. It took long enough that I had hardly read any of it by the time Dad and the others had made it home. ââ¬Å"This all looks like gibberish to me,â⬠Gretchen said, looking at the documents I was showing her on my PDA. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s like it was translated from monkey or something.â⬠ââ¬Å"Look,â⬠I said. I pulled up a different document. ââ¬Å"According to this, blowing up the Conclave fleet backfired. It was supposed to make the Conclave collapse and all the races start shooting at each other. Well, the Conclave is starting to collapse, but hardly any of them are actually fighting each other. Theyââ¬â¢re attacking Colonial Union worlds instead. They really messed this up.â⬠ââ¬Å"If you say this is what it says, Iââ¬â¢m going to believe you,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not actually finding verbs here.â⬠I pulled up another document. ââ¬Å"Here, this is about a Conclave leader named Nerbros Eser. Heââ¬â¢s General Gauââ¬â¢s main competition for leadership of the Conclave now. Gau still doesnââ¬â¢t want to attack the Colonial Union directly, even though we just destroyed his fleet. He still thinks the Conclave is strong enough to keep doing what itââ¬â¢s been doing. But this Eser guy thinks the Conclave should just wipe us out. The Colonial Union. And especially us here on Roanoke. Just to make the point that you donââ¬â¢t mess with the Conclave. The two of them are fighting over control of the Conclave right now.â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"But I still donââ¬â¢t know what any of this means, Zoe. Speak not-hyper-ese to me. Youââ¬â¢re losing me.â⬠I stopped and took a breath. Gretchen was right. Iââ¬â¢d spent most of the last day reading these documents, drinking coffee, and not sleeping; I was not at the peak of my communication skills. So I tried again. ââ¬Å"The whole point of founding Roanoke colony was to start a war,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"It looks like it worked,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"It was supposed to start a war within the Conclave. Blowing up their fleet was supposed to tear the Conclave apart from the inside. It would end the threat of this huge coalition of alien races and bring things back to the way it was before, when every race was fighting every other race. We trigger a civil war, and then we sweep in while theyââ¬â¢re all fighting and scoop up the worlds we want and come out of it all stronger than before ââ¬â maybe too strong for any one race or even a small group of races to square off against. That was the plan.â⬠ââ¬Å"But youââ¬â¢re telling me it didnââ¬â¢t work that way,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"Right,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"We blew up the fleet and got the Conclave members fighting, but who theyââ¬â¢re fighting is us. The reason we didnââ¬â¢t like the Conclave is that it was four hundred against one, the one being us. Well, now itââ¬â¢s still four hundred against one, except now no oneââ¬â¢s listening to the one guy who was keeping them from engaging in total war against us.â⬠ââ¬Å"Us here on Roanoke,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"Us everywhere,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"The Colonial Union. Humans. Us. This is happening now,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Colonial Union worlds are being attacked. Not just the new colony worlds, the ones that usually get attacked. Even the established colonies ââ¬â the ones that havenââ¬â¢t been attacked in decades ââ¬â are getting hit. And unless General Gau gets them all back in line, these attacks are going to keep happening. Theyââ¬â¢re going to get worse.â⬠ââ¬Å"I think you need a new hobby,â⬠Gretchen said, handing me back my PDA. ââ¬Å"Your new one here is really depressing.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not trying to scare you,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I thought you would want to know about all this.â⬠ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t have to tell me,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"You need to tell your parents. Or my dad. Someone who actually knows what to do about all this.â⬠ââ¬Å"They already know,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I heard John and Jane talking about it last night after he got back from Phoenix Station. Everyone there knows the colonies are under attack. No oneââ¬â¢s reporting it ââ¬â the Colonial Union has a lockdown on the news ââ¬â but everyoneââ¬â¢s talking about it.â⬠ââ¬Å"What does that leave for Roanoke?â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"But I know we donââ¬â¢t have a lot of pull right now.â⬠ââ¬Å"So weââ¬â¢re all going to die,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"Well. Gee. Thanks, Zoe. Iââ¬â¢m really glad to know it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not that bad yet,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Our parents are working on it. Theyââ¬â¢ll figure it out. Weââ¬â¢re not all going to die.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, youââ¬â¢re not going to die, at least,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"What does that mean?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"If things really go swirling, the Obin will swoop in and take you out of here,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"Although if all of the Colonial Union is really under attack, Iââ¬â¢m not sure where youââ¬â¢re going to end up going. But the point is, you have an escape route. The rest of us donââ¬â¢t.â⬠I stared at Gretchen. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s incredibly unfair,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not going anywhere, Gretchen.â⬠ââ¬Å"Why?â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not angry at you that you have a way out, Zoe. Iââ¬â¢m envious. Iââ¬â¢ve been through one attack. Just one missile got through and it didnââ¬â¢t even explode properly, and it still did incredible damage and killed someone I care about and everyone in his family. When they come for us for real, we donââ¬â¢t have a chance.â⬠ââ¬Å"You still have your training,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not going to be able to engage in single combat with a missile, Zoe,â⬠Gretchen said, annoyed. ââ¬Å"Yes, if someone decides to have a landing party here, I might be able to fight them off for a while. But after what weââ¬â¢ve done to that Conclave fleet, do you think anyone is really going to bother? Theyââ¬â¢re just going to blow us up from the sky. You said it yourself. They want to be rid of us. And youââ¬â¢re the only one that has a chance of getting out of here.â⬠ââ¬Å"I already said Iââ¬â¢m not going anywhere,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Jesus, Zoe,â⬠Gretchen said. ââ¬Å"I love you, I really do, but I canââ¬â¢t believe youââ¬â¢re actually that dumb. If you have a chance to go, go. I donââ¬â¢t want you to die. Your mom and dad donââ¬â¢t want it. The Obin will hack a path through all the rest of us to keep you from dying. I think you should take the hint.â⬠ââ¬Å"I get the hint,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"But you donââ¬â¢t understand. Iââ¬â¢ve been the sole survivor, Gretchen. Itââ¬â¢s happened to me before. Once is enough for any lifetime. Iââ¬â¢m not going anywhere.â⬠ââ¬Å"Hickory and Dickory want you to leave Roanoke,â⬠Dad said to me, after he had paged me with his PDA. Hickory and Dickory were standing in the living room with him. I was clearly coming in on some sort of negotiation between them. And it was also clearly about me. The tone of Dadââ¬â¢s voice was light enough that I could tell he was hoping to make some point to the Obin, and I was pretty sure I knew what the point was. ââ¬Å"Are you and Mom coming?â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠Dad said. This I expected. Whatever was going to happen with the colony, both John and Jane would see it through, even if it meant they would die with it. Itââ¬â¢s what they expected of themselves as colony leaders, as former soldiers, and as human beings. ââ¬Å"Then to hell with that,â⬠I said. I looked at Hickory and Dickory when I said it. ââ¬Å"Told you,â⬠Dad said to Hickory. ââ¬Å"You didnââ¬â¢t tell her to come away,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"Go away, Zoe,â⬠Dad said. This was said with such a sarcastic delivery that even Hickory and Dickory couldnââ¬â¢t miss it. I gave a less-than-entirely-polite response to that, and then to Hickory and Dickory, and then, for good measure, to the whole idea that I was something special to the Obin. Because I was feeling saucy, and also because I was tired of the whole thing. ââ¬Å"If you want to protect me,â⬠I said to Hickory, ââ¬Å"then protect this colony. Protect the people I care about.â⬠ââ¬Å"We cannot,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"We are forbidden to do so.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then you have a problem,â⬠I said, ââ¬Å"because Iââ¬â¢m not going anywhere. And thereââ¬â¢s nothing you or anyone else can do about it.â⬠And then I left, dramatically, partly because I think that was what Dad was expecting, and partly because I was done saying what I wanted to say on the matter. Then I went to my room and waited for Dad to call me again. Because whatever was going on between him and Hickory and Dickory, it wasnââ¬â¢t over when I stomped out of the room. And like I said, whatever it was, was clearly about me. About ten minutes later Dad called for me again. I went back into the living room. Hickory and Dickory were gone. ââ¬Å"Sit down, Zoe, please,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"I need you to do something for me.â⬠ââ¬Å"Does it involve leaving Roanoke?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"It does,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Zoe,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I said again. ââ¬Å"And I donââ¬â¢t understand you. Ten minutes ago you were happy to have me stand here in front of Hickory and Dickory and tell them I wasnââ¬â¢t going anywhere, and now you want me to leave? What did they tell you to make you change your mind?â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s what I told them,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"And I havenââ¬â¢t changed my mind. I need you to go, Zoe.â⬠ââ¬Å"For what?â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"So I can stay alive while everyone I care about dies? You and Mom and Gretchen and Magdy? So I can be saved when Roanoke is destroyed?â⬠ââ¬Å"I need you to go so I can save Roanoke,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t understand,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s probably because you didnââ¬â¢t actually let me finish before you got on your soapbox,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t mock me,â⬠I said. Dad sighed. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not trying to mock you, Zoe. But what I really need from you right now is to be quiet so I can tell you about this. Can you do that, please? It will make things go a lot more quickly. Then if you say no, at least youââ¬â¢ll be saying no for the right reasons. All right?â⬠ââ¬Å"All right,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Thank you,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Look. Right now all of the Colonial Union is under attack because we destroyed the Conclave fleet. Every CU world has been hit. The Colonial Defense Forces are strained as it is, and itââ¬â¢s going to get worse. A lot worse. The Colonial Union is already making decisions about what colonies it can afford to lose when push comes to shove.â⬠ââ¬Å"And Roanoke is one of those,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Very definitely. But itââ¬â¢s more than that, Zoe. There was a possibility that I might have been able to ask the Obin to help us here on Roanoke. Because you were here. But the Colonial Union has told the Obin not to help us at all. They can take you from here, but they canââ¬â¢t help you or us defend Roanoke. The Colonial Union doesnââ¬â¢t want them to help us.â⬠ââ¬Å"Why not?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"That doesnââ¬â¢t make any sense.â⬠ââ¬Å"It doesnââ¬â¢t make sense if you assume the Colonial Union wants Roanoke to survive,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"But look at it another way, Zoe. This is the first colony with colonists from the CU rather than Earth. The settlers here are from the ten most powerful and most populous Colonial Union worlds. If Roanoke is destroyed, all ten of those worlds are going to be hit hard by the loss. Roanoke will become a rallying cry for those worlds. And for the whole Colonial Union.â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re saying weââ¬â¢re worth more to the Colonial Union dead than alive,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢re worth more as a symbol than as a colony,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Which is inconvenient for those of us who live here and want to stay alive. But, yes. Itââ¬â¢s why they wonââ¬â¢t let the Obin help us. Itââ¬â¢s why we donââ¬â¢t make the cut for resources.â⬠ââ¬Å"You know this for sure?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"Someone told you this when you went back to Phoenix Station?â⬠ââ¬Å"Someone did,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"A man named General Szilard. He was Janeââ¬â¢s former commanding officer. It was unofficial, but it matched up with my own internal math.â⬠ââ¬Å"And you trust him?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"No offense, but the Colonial Union hasnââ¬â¢t exactly been on the up-and-up with us lately.â⬠ââ¬Å"I have my issues with Szilard,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"And so does your mom. But yes. I trust him on this. Right now heââ¬â¢s the only one in the whole Colonial Union I actually do trust.â⬠ââ¬Å"What does this have to with me leaving Roanoke?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"General Szilard told me something else when I saw him,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Also unofficial, but from good sources. He told me that General Gau, the Conclave leader ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"I know who he is, Dad,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve been keeping up with current events.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sorry,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"He said General Gau was being targeted for assassination by someone in his own close circle of advisors, and that the assassination would happen soon, probably in the next few weeks.â⬠ââ¬Å"Whyââ¬â¢d he tell you this?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"So I could use it,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Even if the Colonial Union wanted to tell General Gau about the attempt ââ¬â which it doesnââ¬â¢t, since it probably would like to see it succeed ââ¬â thereââ¬â¢s no reason to believe that Gau would consider it credible. The CU did just blow up his fleet. But Gau might listen to the information if it came from me, because heââ¬â¢s already had dealings with me.â⬠ââ¬Å"And you were the one who begged him not to bring his fleet to Roanoke,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Right,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s because of that weââ¬â¢ve been attacked as little as we have. General Gau said to me that neither he nor the Conclave would retaliate against Roanoke itself for what happened to the fleet.â⬠ââ¬Å"We were still attacked,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"But not by the Conclave itself,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"By someone else, testing our defenses. But if Gau is assassinated, that guarantee dies with him. And then itââ¬â¢s open season on Roanoke, and weââ¬â¢ll get hit, fast, because weââ¬â¢re where the Conclave had its biggest defeat. Weââ¬â¢re a symbol for the Conclave, too. So we have to let General Gau know heââ¬â¢s in danger. For our own sake.â⬠ââ¬Å"If you tell him this, youââ¬â¢ll be giving information to an enemy of the Colonial Union,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢ll be a traitor.â⬠Dad gave me a wry grin. ââ¬Å"Trust me, Zoe,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m already neck-deep in trouble.â⬠His smile disappeared. ââ¬Å"And yes, General Gau is an enemy of the Colonial Union. But I think he might be a friend to Roanoke. Right now, Roanoke needs all the friends it can get, wherever it can get them. The ones we used to have are turning their backs on us. Weââ¬â¢re going out to this new one, hat in hand.â⬠ââ¬Å"And by we you mean me,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"I need you to deliver this message for me.â⬠ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t need me to do it,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"You could do it. Mom could do it. It would be better from either of you.â⬠Dad shook his head. ââ¬Å"Neither Jane nor I can leave Roanoke, Zoe. The Colonial Union is watching us. They donââ¬â¢t trust us. And even if we could, we canââ¬â¢t leave because we belong here with the colonists. Weââ¬â¢re their leaders. We canââ¬â¢t abandon them. Whatever happens to them happens to us too. We made a promise to them and weââ¬â¢re going to stay and defend this colony, no matter what happens. You understand that.â⬠I nodded. ââ¬Å"So we canââ¬â¢t go. ââ¬Å"But you can, and secretly,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"The Obin already want to take you off Roanoke. The Colonial Union will allow it because itââ¬â¢s part of their treaty with the Obin, and as long as Jane and I stay here, it wonââ¬â¢t raise an eyebrow. The Obin are technically neutral in the fight between the Conclave and the Colonial Union; an Obin ship will be able to get to General Gauââ¬â¢s headquarters where a ship from the Colonial Union couldnââ¬â¢t.â⬠ââ¬Å"So send Hickory and Dickory,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Or just have the Obin send a skip drone to General Gau.â⬠ââ¬Å"It wonââ¬â¢t work,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"The Obin are not going to jeopardize their relationship with the Colonial Union to pass messages for me. The only reason theyââ¬â¢re doing this at all is because Iââ¬â¢m agreeing to let them take you off Roanoke. Iââ¬â¢m using the only piece of leverage I have with the Obin, Zoe. Thatââ¬â¢s you. ââ¬Å"And thereââ¬â¢s something else. General Gau has to know that I believe the information Iââ¬â¢m sending him is good. That Iââ¬â¢m not just being a pawn again in a larger Colonial Union game. I need to give him a token of my sincerity, Zoe. Something that proves that I have as much to risk in sending him this information as he has in receiving it. Even if I or Jane could go ourselves, General Gau would have no reason to trust what we say to him, because he knows both Jane and I were soldiers and are leaders. He knows we would be willing to sacrifice ourselves for our colony. But he also knows that Iââ¬â¢m not willing to sacrifice my only daughter. And neither is Jane. ââ¬Å"So you see, Zoe. It has to be you. No one else can do it. Youââ¬â¢re the only one who can get to General Gau, deliver the message, and be believed. Not me, not Jane, not Hickory and Dickory. No one else. Just you. Deliver the message, and we might still find a way to save Roanoke. Itââ¬â¢s a small chance. But right now itââ¬â¢s the only one weââ¬â¢ve got.â⬠I sat there for a few minutes, taking in what Dad asked of me. ââ¬Å"You know if Hickory and Dickory take me off Roanoke, theyââ¬â¢re not going to want to bring me back,â⬠I said, finally. ââ¬Å"You know that.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m pretty sure of it,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re asking me to leave,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re asking me to accept that I might not ever see any of you again. Because if General Gau wonââ¬â¢t believe me, or if heââ¬â¢s killed before I can talk to him, or even if he does believe me but canââ¬â¢t do anything to help us, this trip wonââ¬â¢t mean anything. All it will do is get me off Roanoke.â⬠ââ¬Å"If thatââ¬â¢s all it did, Zoe, I still wouldnââ¬â¢t complain,â⬠Dad said, and then quickly held up his hand, to stop me from commenting on that. ââ¬Å"But if thatââ¬â¢s all I thought it would do, I wouldnââ¬â¢t ask you to do it. I know you donââ¬â¢t want to leave Roanoke, Zoe. I know you donââ¬â¢t want to leave us or your friends. I donââ¬â¢t want anything bad to happen to you, Zoe. But youââ¬â¢re also old enough now to make your own decisions. If when all was said and done you wanted to stay on Roanoke to face whatever came our way, I wouldnââ¬â¢t try to stop you. Nor would Jane. We would be with you until the end. You know that.â⬠ââ¬Å"I do,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"There are risks for everyone,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"When Jane and I tell the Roanoke colony council about this ââ¬â which we will do once youââ¬â¢re gone ââ¬â Iââ¬â¢m pretty sure they are going to kick us out as the colony leaders. When news gets back to the Colonial Union, Jane and I are almost certainly going to be arrested on charges of treason. Even if everything goes perfectly, Zoe, and General Gau accepts your message and acts on it and maybe even makes sure that Roanoke stays unmolested, we will still have to pay for our actions. Jane and I accept this. We think itââ¬â¢s worth it for a chance to keep Roanoke safe. The risk for you here, Zoe, is that if you do this, you might not see us or your friends again for a very long time, or at all. Itââ¬â¢s a big risk. Itââ¬â¢s a real risk. You have to decide whether itââ¬â¢s one worth taking.â⬠I thought about this some more. ââ¬Å"How long do I have to think about this?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"All the time you need,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"But those assassins arenââ¬â¢t sitting around doing nothing.â⬠I glanced over to where Hickory and Dickory had been. ââ¬Å"How long do you think it will take them to get a transport here?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"Are you kidding?â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"If they didnââ¬â¢t send for one the second I was done talking to them, Iââ¬â¢ll eat my hat.â⬠ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t wear a hat,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I will buy a hat and eat it, then,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m going to come back,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m going to take this message to General Gau, and then Iââ¬â¢m going to get back here. Iââ¬â¢m not sure how Iââ¬â¢m going to convince the Obin of that, but Iââ¬â¢m going to do it. I promise you, Dad.â⬠ââ¬Å"Good,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Bring an army with you. And guns. And battle cruisers.â⬠ââ¬Å"Guns, cruisers, army,â⬠I said, running down the checklist. ââ¬Å"Anything else? I mean, as long as Iââ¬â¢m going shopping.â⬠ââ¬Å"Rumor is that I might be in the market for a hat,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"Hat, right,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Make it a jaunty hat,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"I promise nothing,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Fine,â⬠Dad said. ââ¬Å"But if you have to choose between the hat and the army, pick the army. And make it a good one. Weââ¬â¢re going to need it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Where is Gretchen?â⬠Jane asked me. We stood outside the small Obin transport. I had already said good-bye to Dad. Hickory and Dickory waited for me inside the transport. ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t tell her I was leaving,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"She is going to be very upset about that,â⬠Mom said. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t intend to be away long enough for her to miss me,â⬠I said. Mom didnââ¬â¢t say anything to that. ââ¬Å"I wrote her a note,â⬠I said, finally. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s scheduled for delivery tomorrow morning. I told her what I thought I could tell her about why I left. I told her to talk to you about the rest of it. So she might come by to see you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll talk to her about it,â⬠Jane said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll try to make her understand.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thanks,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"How are you?â⬠Mom asked. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m terrified,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m scared Iââ¬â¢ll never see you or Dad or Gretchen again. Iââ¬â¢m scared Iââ¬â¢m going to screw this up. Iââ¬â¢m scared that even if I donââ¬â¢t screw this up it wonââ¬â¢t matter. I feel like Iââ¬â¢m going to pass out, and Iââ¬â¢ve felt that way since this thing landed.â⬠Jane gave me a hug and then looked to my neck, puzzled. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re not taking your jade elephant pendant?â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Oh,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s a long story. Tell Gretchen I said for her to tell it to you. You need to know about it anyway.â⬠ââ¬Å"Did you lose it?â⬠Jane asked. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not lost,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s just not with me anymore.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh,â⬠Jane said. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t need it anymore,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I know who in this world loves me, and has loved me.â⬠ââ¬Å"Good,â⬠Jane said. ââ¬Å"What I was going to tell you is that as well as remembering who loves you, you should remember who you are. And everything about who you are. And everything about what you are.â⬠ââ¬Å"What I am,â⬠I said, and smirked. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s because of what I am that Iââ¬â¢m leaving. What I am has been more trouble than itââ¬â¢s worth, if you ask me.â⬠ââ¬Å"That doesnââ¬â¢t surprise me,â⬠Jane said. ââ¬Å"I have to tell you, Zoe, that there have been times when I have felt sorry for you. So much of your life has been completely out of your control. Youââ¬â¢ve lived your life under the gaze of an entire race of people, and they have made their demands on you right from the beginning. Iââ¬â¢m always amazed youââ¬â¢ve stayed sane through all of it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, you know,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Good parents help.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thank you,â⬠Jane said. ââ¬Å"We tried to keep your life as normal as possible. And I think weââ¬â¢ve raised you well enough that I can tell you this and have you understand it: What you are has made demands of you all your life. Now itââ¬â¢s time to demand something back. Do you understand?â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not sure,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Who you are has always had to make room for what you are,â⬠Jane said. ââ¬Å"You know that.â⬠I nodded. It had. ââ¬Å"Part of that was because you were young, and what you are is so much larger than who you are,â⬠Jane said. ââ¬Å"You canââ¬â¢t expect a normal eight-year-old or even a fourteen-year-old to understand what it means to be something like what you are. But youââ¬â¢re old enough now to understand it. To get an appreciation for it. To know how you can use it, for something besides trying to stay up late.â⬠I smiled, amazed that Jane remembered me trying to use the treaty to stay up past my bedtime. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve watched you in the last year,â⬠Jane said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve seen how you interact with Hickory and Dickory. Theyââ¬â¢ve imposed a lot on you because of what you are. All that training and practicing. But youââ¬â¢ve also started asking more of them. All those documents youââ¬â¢ve had them give you.â⬠ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t know you knew about that,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I was an information officer,â⬠Jane said. ââ¬Å"This sort of thing is my job. My point is that youââ¬â¢ve become more willing to use that power. You are finally taking control of your life. What you are is starting to make room for who you are.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s a start,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Keep going,â⬠Jane said. ââ¬Å"We need who you are, Zoe. We need you to take what you are ââ¬â every part of what you are ââ¬â and use it to save us. To save Roanoke. And to come back to us.â⬠ââ¬Å"How do I do it?â⬠I asked. Jane smiled. ââ¬Å"Like I said: Demand something back,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s unhelpfully vague,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Perhaps,â⬠Jane said, and then kissed me on the cheek. ââ¬Å"Or maybe I just have faith that youââ¬â¢re smart enough to figure it out on your own.â⬠Mom got a hug for that. Ten minutes later I was fifteen klicks above Roanoke and climbing, heading for an Obin transport, thinking about what Jane had said. ââ¬Å"You will find that our Obin ships travel far more quickly than your Colonial Union ships,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"Is that right,â⬠I said. I wandered over to where Hickory and Dickory had placed my luggage and picked out one of the suitcases. ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"Far more efficient engines and better artificial gravity management. We will reach skip distance from Roanoke in a little under two days. It would take one of your ships five or six days to reach the same distance.â⬠ââ¬Å"Good,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"The sooner we get to General Gau the better.â⬠I unzipped the suitcase. ââ¬Å"This is a very exciting moment for us,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"This is the first time since you have lived with Major Perry and Lieutenant Sagan that you will meet other Obin in person.â⬠ââ¬Å"But they know all about me,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"The recordings of the last year have made their way to all Obin, both in unedited and digest form. The unedited versions will take time to process.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll bet,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Here we are.â⬠I found what I was looking for: the stone knife, given to me by my werewolf. I had packed it quickly, when no one was looking. I was just making sure that I didnââ¬â¢t imagine packing it. ââ¬Å"You brought your stone knife,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"I did,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I have plans for it.â⬠ââ¬Å"What plans?â⬠Hickory asked. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll tell you later,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"But tell me, Hickory,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"This ship weââ¬â¢re going to. Is there anyone important on it?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠Hickory said. ââ¬Å"Because it is the first time that you have been in the presence of other Obin since you were a child, one of the members of Obinââ¬â¢s governing council will be there to greet you. It very much wants to meet with you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Good,â⬠I said, and glanced at the knife. ââ¬Å"I very much want to meet with it, too.â⬠I think I actually made Hickory nervous right then. How to cite Zoeââ¬â¢s Tale PART III Chapter Twenty-One, Essay examples
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Waste Management Policy Analytical Hierarchical Process Tool
Question: Compare and contrast the legislative approach taken to controlling solid waste in your own country and the European Union (EU). If your own country does not have legislation in this area you should compare the approach taken within the EU with that taken in the United States of America. Where possible, you should discuss to which category of the three major environmental policy making categories (i. command and control regulation; ii. market based instruments; iii. voluntary regulation) the legislation identified from your country would belong? Answer: Introduction Waste management policy has been the buzz word which is becoming a major political and social issue being faced by the countries all round the globe. However, a little has been done by the local governments of the EU and UK in respective of the waste management agenda. The project aim sat investigating the solid waste management policy and approach of the local governments of EU and UK. Local practices relating to the management of solid waste as produced by the industries in the countries includes the availability of the landfill, funding, staffing levels and relative costs involved with the management options of the respective countries (Gharfalkar et al 2015). The project deals in providing a report based on the legislative approach as followed by the EU and UK in respective of controlling the solid waste as produced in the countries. The among objective of the report is to evaluate the legislations of the selected countries by critically analyzing the enforcement provisions for c ontrolling the environment within the countries Legislative approach for controlling solid waste in UK and EU UK UK alone produces 29 million tons of municipal waste every year out of which 2.6 million tones are incinerated for energy generation. The energy as produced from the waste in the UK is estimated to increase to around 25% of the total municipal solid waste from the current level of 9%, by the end of 2020 (Shiers et al 2014). The EU Directive 1999/31/EF policy helps in minimizing the muas the safest method for waste disposal in the coast owing to the naturally impermeable ground conditions. Moreover, the landfill tax rate in respective of active waste has been seen to be increased by 15 per ton in2004 which reached to 32 per ton in 2008/09. According to a recent survey, it is estimated that the tax to be increasing to 48 per ton in the near future, and thus, making the country to be in line with Denmark and Sweden (Hildebrand 2013). Current waste management legislation Figure 1: Hierarchy related to the waste management in the UK Source: (Jamasb and Nepal 2012) The European Commission Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) defines two waste management decisions including the methods related to the reduction of the waste being produced and disposal of the same. The disposal options include the utilization of the sanitary landfill sites, incinerating waste with the energy production, and recycling materials. From the above figure, the waste management in UK can be comprised of five step hierarchy which serves as the flexible principle instead of rigid requirement related to the waste policy. According to Jamasb and Nepal (2012), the successful waste manage policy helps in addressing a link between the economic growth as well as the waste growth. This implies the reduction in the waste intensity of the GDP as the availability of the resources for the manufacturing of products and services are being minimized in the long run. As far as UK is concerned, the waste has grown less than its GDP in the year 2000. Moreover, the municipal waste had increased by about 3.5 % in 2000 which slowed down to around 1.5% per year since then. The estimated amount of waste in the UK is predicted to be lying in between 32 and 42 million tons by 2020 based on the annual growth rates of 0.7 to 2.3% respectively (Jamasb and Nepal 2012). According to Mhle and Cheeseman (2012), the waste hierarchy gives overall priority in reducing down the waste stream. In the perspective of the UK, it is estimated that around 10 tones of the resources are being utilized for producing 1 tone of the products. This signifies resource inefficiency from the perspective of 3.75 million UK organizations. In addition, the waste reduction is the most difficult approach to manage the waste in the UK. According to Jamasb and Nepal (2012), the methods to reduce down on the produced waste are to charge the industries with variable costs related to the rubbish collection based on their weight, volume and material content. This strategy can be beneficial in the product packaging sector of the organizations. The strategy has become more popular as it does not directly by the public. In 2005, major retailers in the UK had signed up with the WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Program) in order to collaborate on finding technologies and packaging soluti ons in order to reduce waste. They agreed to deliver reductions in the packaging and to identify efficient methods to reduce down the solid waste being produced in the process. EU According to Pirers and Chang (2013), EU (European Union) is a political and economic union of 27 member states which together with Norway and Switzerland help manage their waste management issued by the application of solid waste management legislation. The pursuing of the solid waste management strategy would lead to the conformity with the current standards for both waste management and the EU government agencies as well. Current waste management legislation In 2001, the European Council adopted the first EU sustainable development strategy with the overall aim to promote and support actions in order to enable the EU to improve the quality of life for bit the future and current organizations. According to Pirers and Chang (2013), this improvement of quality of life is expected to be achieved by creating suitable communities that are capable of efficient management of the resources ensuring prosperity social cohesion and environmental protection as well. These changes would be essential for establishing a sense of energy in respective of the solid waste management. Though, the short term action is required for managing the and tackling the operation issues in respective of the solid waste management, long term perspective of the solid waste management should also be established (Williams 2013). New Waste Directive 2008/98/EC as published by the European Commission is the forts legislation which reflects on the solid waste management of the European Commission thus, bringing new challenges to the waste management system. These new definitions for the waste by products require the selection of appropriate technologies that aims at proving protection to the human health and environment, prompting recycling and reuse, and enhancing EPR (Extended Produce Responsibility) as well (Laurent et al 2014). According to Pirers and Chang (2013), the sustainable production and consumption in respective of the waste management has gained wider attention in the resource conservation process including the recovery and reuse of the waste materials. The population growth, migrations and other resource factors becomes essential for the forecasting of the waste generation in an accurate manner. The public health needs to be included through the application of an appropriate QAS (quality assuranc e system for product control. According to (Mhle and Cheeseman 2012), the improved knowledge base helps in influencing the advancement of the waste collection, resource usage, and disposable alternative practices. The theatric strategy related to the recycling and prevention of waste is one of the examples of policy change. This policy as imposed by the EU would help in improving the existing legislations, promoting recovery, recycling and disposal activities with modernization and simplification effects on waste definition. The solid waste management at the EU level includes the promotions of the GHS emissions reduction through diversification form the landfills utilization, improving energy efficiencies at disposal facilities. the EU regulations has made it mandatory to implement MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) Management like the SEA directive for initializing the participation of the public in order to draw certain plans and programs in respective of controlling the environmental is sues in the future (Christensen 2014). Comparison of solid waste management approach Figure 2: Trends of Solid waste management by UK and other EU countries Source: (Jamasb and Nepal 2012) From the analysis of the above figure depicting the trends of Solid waste management by UK and other EU countries, it can be evident that the UK is relying mostly on the land filling approach as the primary method of reducing frown the solid waste. This can be related to the historical circumstance of the geology where the country is having large holes owing to the mining activities in the country making easy to use land filling sites (White and Hindle 2012). Conclusion The project deals in providing a report based on the legislative approach as followed by the EU and UK in respective of controlling the solid waste as produced in the countries. The report helps in familiarizing with the legislations as enforced by the countries dealing with the environment. The project helps in understanding the provisions as made by the countries in respective of controlling the solid waste as evident in the countries is complied with. The report deals in comparing and contrasting the legislative approach in respective of controlling the solid waste related as produced in the UK and EU. The main objective of the report is to evaluate the legislations of the selected countries by critically analyzing the enforcement provisions for controlling the environment within the countries. The report also deals in categorizing the legislation as identified in the countries in respective of the environment policy as applicable. References Antonopoulos, I.S., Perkoulidis, G., Logothetis, D. and Karkanias, C., 2014. Ranking municipal solid waste treatment alternatives considering sustainability criteria using the analytical hierarchical process tool. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 86, pp.149-159. Aydi, A., Zairi, M. and Dhia, H.B., 2013. Minimization of environmental risk of landfill site using fuzzy logic, analytical hierarchy process, and weighted linear combination methodology in a geographic information system environment. Environmental earth sciences, 68(5), pp.1375-1389. Gharfalkar, M., Court, R., Campbell, C., Ali, Z. and Hillier, G., 2015. Analysis of waste hierarchy in the European waste directive 2008/98/EC. Waste Management, 39, pp.305-313. Hildebrand, S.H., 2013. The Future is Nigh: Norwegian waste governance regimes from 1860 to 2010 and an analysis of current waste prevention policies. Jamasb, T. and Nepal, R. (2012). Issues and options in waste management: A social costbenefit analysis of waste-to-energy in the UK. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 54(12), pp.1341-1352. Laurent, A., Bakas, I., Clavreul, J., Bernstad, A., Niero, M., Gentil, E., Hauschild, M.Z. and Christensen, T.H., 2014. Review of LCA studies of solid waste management systemsPart I: Lessons learned and perspectives. Waste management, 34(3), pp.573-588. Marshall, R.E. and Farahbakhsh, K., 2013. Systems approaches to integrated solid waste management in developing countries. Waste Management, 33(4), pp.988-1003. Mhle, S., Balsam, I. and Cheeseman, C. (2012). Comparison of carbon emissions associated with municipal solid waste management in Germany and the UK. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 54(11), pp.793-801. Pires, A., Martinho, G. and Chang, N. (2013). Solid waste management in European countries: A review of systems analysis techniques. Journal of Environmental Management, 92(4), pp.1033-1050. Shiers, D., Weston, J., Wilson, E., Glasson, J. and Deller, L., 2014. Implementing new EU environmental law: the short life of the UK Site Waste Management Plan Regulations. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 57(7), pp.1003-1022. White, P., Dranke, M. and Hindle, P., 2012. Integrated solid waste management: a lifecycle inventory. Springer Science Business Media. Williams, P.T., 2013. Waste treatment and disposal. John Wiley Sons.
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Victorian rugby league
Rugby is one of the biggest international sporting games in the world, and this is the case in Australia in which it is one of the three major football codes that dominate Australian sport. The origin of rugby can be traced back to times in which it was played at the eminent English public schools.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Victorian rugby league specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It was introduced in Australia by Tom Wills in 1858 and since then, it has tremendously grown in terms of the number of players and those who love watching the game (ABS 2002, p.31). The game is played primarily during the winter season and the largest percentage of participants lie within the eastern states of Australia. The media plays a vital part in broadcasting the game to a wider audience across the globe; in 2009 alone the game was approximated to have attracted 128.5 million viewers (Davison Lawson 2006, p. 16). The Vi ctorian rugby league is a body in Australia that heads the rugby league sporting activities (Daly 2005, p. 68). Although this league has gained prominence in the country, it is worth noting that this was only possible after splitting from the rugby union. In addition, before 1924, the body comprised of members from other small bodies from different states which included three members from Queensland rugby league, and three from New South Wales rugby league (Davison Lawson 2006, p.17). Rugby League was started when clubs in North England separated from the rugby football union in 1895, creating the two different codes within the one sport (Cortis, Sawrikar Muir 2007, p. 28). The separation was due to disagreement between the working class and the higher socio economic class. The Victorian rugby league gained popularity in 1907, and new codes of the game from other states were imported and embraced in the region (Cortis, Sawrikar Muir 2007, p. 32). In 1924, the Australian rugby lea gue board of control was formed which later transformed to the Australian rugby league (Cameron MacDougall 2000, p. 123). The Australian rugby league is governed by a board which is made up of a partnership committee of six delegates who have the duty of administering all competitions of the league. The head of this body is appointed on a yearly basis. The league has complicated governance- comprising of representatives of the New South Wales rugby league, the Queensland rugby league, the national rugby league and the Australian rugby league. Each of these play a role of contributing ideas that are much needed to run the league (Davison Lawson 2006, p.14).Advertising Looking for case study on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The league aims at supporting rugby in Australia and ensuring that it achieves the maximum potential of participation (Cameron MacDougall 2000, p. 63). It is also aimed at bringing the people in the communities together and aims at working harmoniously as they play the sport. Rugby is a sport that is perceived to be rough and many would refrain from participating due to fear of suffering both emotionally and physically. The league aims at ensuring that the environment surrounding the game is free of harm of players. The Australia rugby league comprises of thirteen part-time clubs which take part in the sport when the season starts in March every year (Cameron MacDougall 2000, p.120)The games are played every weekend till the end of September (Davison Lawson 2006, p.14). In 2008, a total of 423,584 Australians took part in rugby league competitions (Roberts 2008, p.105). Junior registration has seen a major increase in participation. Between the years 1999 and 2008 participation among junior members has grown from 79,000 to 120,667 (Roberts 2008, p.110). In senior groups, participation levels tend to reduce in the higher age groups due to the nature of the game w hich definitely calls for more physical strength and vigor. In terms of gender, the Australian rugby league has witnessed a much higher percentage in participation from men than women. The lack of women participation in the game is due to the masculine nature of the game which puts off the female gender (Daly 2005, p. 68). Although this is the case for the grownups, it is contrary in the case of the junior teams. There are many junior women who participate in this game. This has increased the likeability of the game among females in spite of the seemingly low participation levels especially at national and international tournaments (Cameron MacDougall 2000, p.125). Finances are crucial and will always be needed towards the growth of any organization. This also applies to the Australian rugby league. Most of the financial support for this league is provided by sponsors (Cortis, Sawrikar Muir 2007, p.16) For instance, it has been funded by Telstra and thereafter referred to as the n ational rugby league premiership (Cameron MacDougall 2000, p. 71). There are many other sponsors of the league alongside Telstra which include Toyota. Examples of other sponsors include Powerade who provide the rugby balls and AAMI who caters for the referees (Cortis, Sawrikar Muir 2007, p. 60). The league partners with all these organizations that have similar goals to excel and work together.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Victorian rugby league specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Australia is one of the locations around the globe where rugby league has been powerful and achieved great success (Daly 2005, p.26). By 1980, the league was popular enough at the grass roots level, that it was able to expand to other regions of Australia and spread Rugby league to areas which hadnââ¬â¢t seen Rugby League before (Cameron MacDougall 2000, p. 38). This was due to the rules set that were to be followed by all t he stakeholders- to let the game expand. The league has put in place a process of solving any emerging challenges. There is also a set code of conduct that ensures uniformity and elimination of any mistreatment of the parties involved. Strengths and opportunities Weaknesses and Threats The media saw the potential in the league and more focus was put on its performance by portraying it as an inefficient business but which could be rationalized (Cortis, Sawrikar Muir 2007, p. 28). As a result of consistent focus by the media, it led to attraction of a large number of audience (Cameron MacDougall 2000, p.123). It is also imperative to note that the Australian rugby league has developed convenient ways of communication like the one-stop shop which contains contacts, information and downloads on all the activities of the league (Cortis, Sawrikar Muir 2007, p.12) Organizations like rugby unions are a threat to the league since most of the players move from the league to the union and also provide a close competition to the league. The success of a league in any sport is determined mainly by the players. The Victorian league has many talented players who come from the state and as such, there is a large pool of players who can participate in the teams. Most of them have grown into competent and dependable players across the world. Due to great talents at the disposal of the league, it is easy to constitute the strongest team possible. Just like the players, the league has many fans that strengthen it through their support, and so expansion of the game across Victoria is imperative for the growth of the Victorian rugby league (Cortis, Sawrikar Muir 2007, p. 28). In Australia, the rugby league has played a significant role in ensuring that the game is played by all the members of the community at all age groups. The management of the league has put in place a countrywide training program for rugby players drawn from all levels (Cameron MacDougall 2000, p. 38) The recruitment test is relatively short and quite easy for those joining the team.Advertising Looking for case study on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The media plays a huge part in the promotion of the sport across the state. Television rights and broadcasting at different times at night factor the wider audiences that view the sport. It looms as an opportunity for a television rights deal that has the potential to attract the millions of people across Victoria that would have otherwise not been exposed to Rugby League. The greater opportunity there is for people to view the sport, the greater the interest and support for games and participation, which would ultimately lead to a stronger league ââ¬â participation wise and financially. There are many indigenous players in the national rugby league which is also one of the main objectives of the league (Daly 2005, p.36). This provides a good opportunity to expand the sport into indigenous regions in Australia, and to promote multi culture mentality and bring communities together. It has been able to address some of the communityââ¬â¢s problems such as personal development of the young generation, by providing them with a sport that promotes exercise and allows for the social benefits of kids playing together and making friends with each other. Apart from working with community members, it has close links with some of the local organizations which are benefiting the local community (Davison Lawson 2006, p. 13). The league has promoted peace among states but racism still exists. In the process, there are those players or teams which are discriminated on the basis of their social background. This is a setback to the growth of the league although it is not widespread as it is the case in other sports (ABS 2002, p.12). There are still set objectives of the league which have not been achieved and as such, the league has to come up with guidelines on how the competitive level of the game can be improved (Davison Lawson 2006, p. 24). The governance of the league has been faced by setbacks such as the presence of administrators with state-based interests at t he expense of developing sports. This calls for an independent body which will help in strengthening the league both now and in the future. In spite of the strengths and opportunities highlighted above, there are still weaknesses and threats. For instance, discipline is a crucial element among players in any game and it is equally required in rugby. In the past, most of the Victorian leagueââ¬â¢s players have been featured in the media for the wrong reasons like lack of discipline. The Victorian league has strong traditions and cultures which compel it to resist changes and improvements that are required in the team from time to time. For example, most of the old players are retained for long not giving the young and innovative players a chance to participate as players. This issue has been a great setback to the league and has threatened its existence and success. Victoria is a state which is dominated by AFL, and by which, the Victorian rugby league is forever resisting the thr eat of losing players at the grass roots level as well as intermediate and professional level to the sporting code. This also looms as an opportunity however, to expand a sport in which Rugby League is a rare opportunity for kids in Victoria to participate a sport which is different. Conclusion and recommendations The Australian rugby league has been a success in achieving many of its goals though there are still setbacks which are impeding its growth. In terms of achievements, the league has been able to eliminate any harassment of stakeholders bearing in mind that the codes of conduct have been revised and have to be adhered to at all levels of participation. On the eradication of racism, it is has been quite a success although more emphasis on better codes of conduct are required. In addition, lack of an independent leadership system is still a setback since leadersââ¬â¢ decisions are based on their interests and not that of the leagues. The competition from other organization s is a threat to the league in the future. The training and performance capability of the team should be improved in order to outwit competition in both local and international matches. Due to competition, players join other organizations in search of favorable conditions. The state of losing players to other organizations can be reduced by creation of better remuneration plans for players. This will curb the challenge of losing players to other competitive leagues and teams across the board. References ABS, 2002, Social Capital and Social Wellbeing, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Sydney. Cameron, M. MacDougall, C 2000, Crime Prevention through Sport and Physical Activity, Australian Institute of Criminology, Sydney. Cortis, N., Sawrikar, P. Muir, K 2007, Participation in sport and recreation by culturally and linguistically diverse women, Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales. Daly, S 2005, Social Capital and the Cultural Sector: Literature Review prepar ed for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, London School of Economics, London. Davison, K Lawson, C 2006, ââ¬Å"Do attributes in the physical environment influence childrenââ¬â¢s physical activity?â⬠International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, vol. 3 no.19, pp.1-17. Roberts, M 2008, Great Australian Sporting Moments: Great Australian Sporting Moments, Melbourne University Publishing, Melbourne. This case study on Victorian rugby league was written and submitted by user Damion Rivera to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Social Interaction Problems in USA
Social Interaction Problems in USA Industrial revolution has caused major changes not only in the life style and living standards of the people but also in the realm of social interaction. These changes carry both positive and negative impacts on social interaction. For example the increase in use of mobile phone should not be seen as an enhancement to social interactions but also carries some negative attributes. It has led to nomadic intimacy and cyberspace virtual interaction. Depending on how we use them, they always carry some consequences (Andersen, Taylor 114).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Social Interaction Problems in USA specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There are different interaction problems that have been encountered in USA. They include; poverty, homelessness, urban crime, race and ethnicity and macro level problems. These factors have always made the relations between people become anomic. Poverty is a major factor in this case which divides people into social strata; poor or rich. According to the Census Bureau, poverty has been on the rise in the recent past where about 2.6 million people slipped into poverty (United States Conference of Mayors 22). This factor has led formation of social groups the Hispanians and the blacks, where the blacks are the most hit by poverty. In this case there is little communication between the poor and the rich. The poor retire to a culture of poverty which is passed from generation to generation thus making it hard to change. They feel negative, hopeless, inferior and powerless. Studies have revealed that poor families which experience more stress are always allied to violence in families (Bassuk et al. 25). Homelessness is another factor which has led to a series of social interaction problems. Extreme poverty leads to homelessness, and this is mostly experienced by young children. Its inception comes with health problems and poor nutrition. Although it has reduced considerab ly in many states in USA, a lasting solution is yet to be found (United States Conference of Mayors 13). 1.6 million American children or one in 45 of them are homeless in the year 2010 (Bassuk et al. 32). Forty percent of these children are age six and under. It hurts both children and other people in many ways including; brain development, stress, parenting, school readiness and health and well being. According to researchers, homeless families experience many social interaction problems as compared to stable ones (Bassuk et al. 33).Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Urban crime is another major cause of social interaction problems both to the offender and the offended. These crimes include; rape, theft, robbery and murder. Victimization in USA is also a major problem which divides people into groups. Blacks are being victimized more than whites and this high rate of i ncarceration of blacks has led to social interaction problems between the two groups (Ferrante 182). The blacksââ¬â¢ families have fewer males who are supposed to take leadership roles. Crime rate is directly linked to drug use. Most of those people who have been found to have committed crime are drug users. Ethnicity is the classification of people into groups basing on cultural and physical characteristics while race is categorization of people basing on anatomical traits. American ethnic groups include; American Indians, Latinos, Chinese, African Americans, Hispanians and European Americans. Race and Ethnicity has affected the provision of various social services in the country (Ferrante 214). For example, there are disparities in access to health care and education. Placing people into various groups makes the social interaction across these groups impossible. As a result, problems arise. Macro level problems originate from social structure, social processes of the people and their interrelationships. For instance the industrialization effects on older peopleââ¬â¢s status (Andersen, Margaret Taylor 112). Most of the people in USA are currently working and they usually donââ¬â¢t have extra time for face to face socialization with their relatives. Instead, most have opted to rely on cyberspace interaction which provides them with virtual interaction. Old people and young children suffer most because they are taken to care institutions where they will not have time to interact with their relatives. Virtual interaction is a dangerous thing because they can be created imaginatively. In conclusion, the recent industrial revolution has solved some problems of social interaction and created more (Andersen, Margaret Taylor 115). Each invention has its own weaknesses and strengths.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Social Interaction Problems in USA specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Andersen , Margaret L., Taylor Howard F. Sociology: Understanding a diverse society. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2005. Bassuk, Ellen L., Murphy, Christina., Coupe, Thompson N., Kenney, Rachael R., Beach, Anne C. State report card on child homelessness: Americaââ¬â¢s youngest outcasts 2010à . 2011. Retrieved from National Center on Family homelessness website Ferrante, Joan. Sociology: A Global Perspective. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2012. United States Conference of Mayors (2009, December). Hunger and homelessness survey: A status report on hunger and homelessness in Americaââ¬â¢s cities: A 27-city survey. 2011.7
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Intelligence Collection 2 - question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Intelligence Collection 2 - question - Essay Example One example of the challenges facing the US HUMINT is the time it takes to find the hiding of Osama Bin Laden. He managed to live for a decade after he masterminded the September 11 attack. Moreover, the HUMINT forces have acted against the US government in Cuba. CIA officers sent in Cuba have allied themselves to the Cuban regime rather than carry out their mandate of espionage for the US interest. Moreover, almost no countries in the world have laws that allow other countries to find, collect and submit information to their countries. It is unlawful, and many American officers have been detained, persecuted and even killed for spying. Therefore, the danger of putting the life of soldiers in the line makes HUMINT method of collecting intelligence a difficult task for the American people. In addition, the advent of technology has eased the ways of collecting intelligence thus addressing the challenges of faced by HUMINT. Mazumdar, Keshav. "INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERINTELLIGENCE: FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE ." RIEAS. http://www.rieas.gr/research-areas/global-issues/transatlantic-studies/1719-intelligence-and-counterintelligence-first-line-of-defence-.html# (accessed June 8,
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